For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
